This week-end represents the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, the Art & Music Fair that took place in Bethel, NY. What I remember about Woodstock is the sound track and movie that were released the following year, as I was too young to attend myself. Santana, Sly & the Family Stone and Jimi Hendrix gave performances that are legendary to this day. Despite rain, traffic bottlenecks, a stage with no roof and a lack of food, 400,000 people joined together to share their love of music and embracing of communal ideals.
The can-do attitude of the organizers–including Michael Lang (24 years old)–helped Woodstock not only host 33 different bands but also a communal union where people helped each other stay safe and fed. Sri Swami Satchidananda, a yoga master from India, opened the festival with an address urging compassion for each other. “I am overwhelmed with joy to see the entire youth of America gathered here in the name of the fine art of music,” he said, sitting cross-legged before the crowd leading the concertgoers in chants of “om.”
On September 5th, starting at 6PM, our community will congregate in downtown New Canaan for our 3rd Annual Community Addiction Awareness Vigil. Again this year, the New Canaan Community Foundation and New Canaan Parent Support Group will host–with many other community sponsors on board including New Canaan Cares, Silver Hill Hospital, and The Lighthouse CT. Please arrive in time to listen to live music, post a tribute on our Hope & Remembrance Wall, listen to local speakers with inspirational stories, and participate in the candlelight vigil with 12 local pastors.
While the ideals of peace & music were lofty indeed, the Woodstock event 50 years ago took place with an attitude of friendship and looking out for each other. Join us on Thursday, September 5th for fellowship, music, and compassion for others who have struggled.